Best 2 Dutch Oven Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

In the realm of comfort food, macaroni and cheese reigns supreme, a culinary masterpiece that evokes nostalgia and universal appeal. This delightful dish, often abbreviated as mac and cheese, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across generations. Its versatility allows for endless variations, each boasting unique flavors and textures. Indulge in the classic American version, where elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Experience the Southern twist, where sharp cheddar cheese takes center stage, resulting in a robust and tangy explosion of flavors. Travel to Italy and savor the Italian mac and cheese, known as pasta al forno, where béchamel sauce and a variety of cheeses create a symphony of creamy and cheesy goodness. Explore the lighter side with a baked mac and cheese recipe that incorporates Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta, a healthier rendition that doesn't compromise on taste. Prepare for a taste sensation with the spicy mac and cheese recipe, where jalapeños and cayenne pepper ignite a fiery dance on your palate. And for those with dietary restrictions, rejoice in the gluten-free mac and cheese recipe, a delectable alternative made with gluten-free pasta and a creamy cheese sauce.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

DUTCH OVEN MACARONI AND CHEESE

Dutch Oven Macaroni and Cheese image

This Dutch oven mac and cheese is a staple in my home. I sometimes add burger meat or bacon to it to liven it up but it's delicious enough on its own! Regularly served as the main course with just a veggie side, as it can be a bit heavy if you're a mac and cheese lover who can't resist seconds (like me).

Provided by mia

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package seashell pasta
4 tablespoons salted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded medium Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
1 cup panko bread crumbs, or as needed
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon taco seasoning mix

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt butter and flour in the hot pot, stirring, until blended; pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously, until mixture comes to a boil. Continue to boil, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue to stir until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Slowly fold in cheeses until melted and smooth. It is okay to raise the heat if you have to, just remember to keep stirring while the heat is on. Fold in cooked pasta until it is coated with cheese.
Combine panko bread crumbs, salt, garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and taco seasoning in a bowl. Sprinkle macaroni mixture with just enough of the bread crumbs to coat most of the surface; you should still see some pasta underneath the bread crumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Turn on the oven's broiler and continue to cook until crust is golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550.9 calories, Carbohydrate 46.3 g, Cholesterol 103.5 mg, Fat 33.1 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.2 g, Sodium 765.5 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

ONE-POT MAC AND CHEESE

One-Pot Mac and Cheese image

Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! -Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3-1/2 cups whole milk
3 cups water
1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
4 ounces Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, combine milk, water and macaroni; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until macaroni is tender and almost all the cooking liquid has been absorbed, 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 450mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

Tips:

Use a good quality cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni and cheese.
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can make your macaroni and cheese grainy.
Use a combination of cheeses. This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. It should coat the macaroni evenly.
Season the macaroni and cheese to taste. You may want to add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will give it a golden brown crust.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to scoop.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different cheeses, add-ins, and toppings. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, macaroni and cheese is sure to please.